Renting a car in Uganda may come with car rental hidden fees that renters need to look out for. Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to explore the country’s stunning landscapes, national parks, and bustling cities.
However, many renters end up paying far more than expected due to hidden fees that are not clearly explained at the time of booking.
Understanding these extra charges before you sign a rental agreement can save you money, frustration, and potential disputes. This blog breaks down the most common hidden car rental fees in Uganda and shows you how to avoid them.
Insurance excess and limited coverage fees
The most misunderstood costs when renting a car in Uganda is insurance. Many rental companies advertise low daily rates but include only basic insurance, often third-party coverage. This means that damage to the rental vehicle may not be fully covered, theft protection may be excluded. You may be responsible for a high insurance excess (deductible) in case of an accident.
Some companies only mention this excess after the car has been returned or when an accident occurs. To avoid any surprises, ask for written details of insurance coverage before booking. Also confirm what the excess amount is and under what circumstances it applies.
You may also request comprehensive insurance or consider external travel insurance that covers car rentals. If you have purchased travel insurance that covers car rentals, there is no need for you to pay extra insurance fees.
Fuel policy charges
Fuel fees are one of the most common sources of hidden costs. Some rental companies operate unclear fuel policies, such as charging premium rates for refueling. Some may even require you to return the car with more fuel than it had at pick-up. In rare cases, you may be charged “fuel service fees” even if you refuel yourself.
In Uganda, fuel prices vary by location, and remote areas often cost more. Always insist on a full-to-full fuel policy (return the car with the same fuel level). You can take a photo of the fuel gauge at pickup and return and keep the fuel receipts as proof. More still, endeavor to put in action fuel saving practices to cut costs on fuel.
Mileage and distance limit fees
In Uganda, most car rentals offer unlimited mileage, but some exceptions may occur. Some companies may set daily or weekly mileage limits, charge extra for long-distance travel (e.g., safaris, upcountry trips). They may also apply higher rates for trips to national parks or border crossings. These fees are often buried deep in the contract or mentioned verbally.
Endeavor to ask directly if mileage is limited or unlimited. Also confirm charges for exceeding the mileage cap and declare your travel itinerary in advance, especially if visiting national parks.
Airport pickup and drop-off fees
Picking up a car at Entebbe International Airport or having it delivered to your hotel is convenient, but it often comes at a cost. This is because of airport access and parking charges, meet and greet fees and after-hours pickup surcharges for late night arrivals.
Some companies fail to disclose these fees until the final invoice.
To avoid being overcharged for this, ask for a total price including airport drop-off. Also confirm whether pickup is included in the quoted rate and get all delivery charges written into the agreement.
Driver fees
If you plan to rent a car with a driver in Uganda, extra costs may apply beyond the daily rate.
Common hidden charges when renting a car with a driver include driver accommodation during multi-day trips, meals or allowances. You may also be charged overtime charges for long driving hours and park entry fees for drivers during safaris. These costs can significantly increase your final bill if not clarified early.
To avoid this, ask for a fully inclusive driver rate clarify who pays for driver accommodation and meals and confirm daily working hours and overtime policies.
Additional driver fees
When renting a vehicle for self-drive, some rental companies may charge extra if more than one person drives the vehicle. This fee may be charged per day, per additional driver or added retroactively if an unregistered driver is detected.
This is because in the event of an accident, insurance may be invalid if the driver was not registered.
If you intend to travel long distances, register all potential drivers at the start of the rental process. Also ask if additional drivers are included or charged separately and ensure all drivers are listed on the rental contract.
Vehicle cleaning and “excess dirt” fees
Uganda’s terrain includes dusty roads, muddy tracks, and off-road safari routes. Some rental companies exploit this by charging excessive cleaning fees, yet in actual sense, cleaning fees should be part of the rental fee.
Some exceptions that may fetch excess cleaning fees include smoking in the car rental and travelling with pets. For extreme cases, you may be charged extra cleaning fee if you “throw-up” in the vehicle because of motion sickness, food poisoning, hangover, underlying issues like pregnancy or side effects from medication. These charges are sometimes subjective and not clearly defined.
Ensure that you ask what level of cleanliness is expected at return to avoid any surprise fees.
Damage assessment and repair fees
Another hidden cost arises when damage is assessed unfairly. Some companies fail to document pre-existing scratches or dents claim old damage as new and inflate repair costs far beyond market rates.
This is especially common when renters do not inspect the vehicle thoroughly at pickup.
Endeavor to conduct a detailed inspection before driving off. You may take photos and videos of the car from all angles and ensure all existing damage is documented and signed.
Late return and early pickup fees
Rental agreements in Uganda often operate on strict time schedules. Hidden charges may apply if you return the car even an hour later than the scheduled time. You may also be charged extra if you pick up the car earlier than scheduled; usually 12hours or earlier. Some companies may not even consider traffic delays or mechanical issues and may charge an extra full day for minor delays.
Confirm the grace period for late returns with your car rental agent, and notify the company immediately if delays occur. You should also request for flexible terms in writing to avoid these fees. When making an inquiry, ask whatever you need clarity about and get the details straight.
Roadside assistance and breakdown fees
Not all rental companies include roadside assistance in their quoted rates. The hidden costs may include towing fees, call-out charges for mechanical issues, replacement vehicle delivery costs. It gets worse in remote areas where these fees can be extremely high.
To avoid this, ask if roadside assistance is included in the rental fees, confirm who pays for towing or repairs and ensure the car is well-maintained before departure.
Final thoughts
Hidden fees are one of the biggest frustrations for people renting cars in Uganda. While not all rental companies are dishonest, lack of transparency is common. The key to avoiding surprise costs is clear communication, written agreements, and thorough inspection.
Make sure to always ask for an all-inclusive quote, read the rental agreement carefully, get everything in writing, take photos at pickup and return and most importantly, choose a reputable and well-reviewed rental. At Jungle Car Rental Uganda, we are very transparent and flexible with our pricing. Do not hesitate to contact us for a seamless and unforgettable safari.
